Palmetto Brick- a narrow gauge industrial operation On Friday, September 9th, Palmetto Brick, a brick making industrial company in Wallace, SC, will welcome attendees to the NNGC to visit their railroad. This clay carrying freight operation runs beside a modern highway for most of its length, and provides material for the main brick making factory.

This 36” gauge railroad uses Plymouth locomotives for motive power. The dump cars look modern, but use link and pin couplers and do not have brakes. Thus, this modern looking railroad runs by the same standards that governed narrow gauge lines 125 years ago!

Due to the recession, only one brick making kiln has been in operation, and the railroad has not been needed. Palmetto Brick has committed to running their train on this one day, in honor of the National Narrow Gauge Convention. For those who want to model a narrow gauge line in the not-too-distant past, a visit to Palmetto Brick is a must.

Weather permitting (it needs to be dry to haul clay in open cars) they will be operating the train from 1 PM to 4 PM, running back and forth, loading and unloading clay like its 1999. If it is wet or rainy, the train will be run in both directions empty. Bottom line is that the train will operate for that three hour period! While the tracks follow the highway, both ends of the line-at the clay loading area and at the plant- are usually off-limits to the rail fan. During this one afternoon event, both end points will be accessible to Convention attendees who are wearing their lanyard/badge holder. The clay area will require signing a Site Specific Hazardous Training Form at the employee lot. Travel time to this part of South Carolina will require almost two hours, so bear that in mind as you plan your convention travels.